To Have & to Hold Forever
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad", along with other stories in the "Together Forever" Series. You don't have to read those stories first, but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners raising five children together.
I don't own the original QAF characters, just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 44
Ted and Blake spent many hours discussing the formal adoption of Nina. Ted Felt guilty that his past actions, the porn site and his arrest in particular, would impact their ability to adopt the little girl that they both loved so much.
Both men knew their drug addictions weren't a positive factor for the adoption, but they had been leading clean and sober lives for some time. They didn't feel this was a possible roadblock in the same way as Ted's past issues.
Blake decided he would take the lead with Anabel Harper. He knew that Ted's emotions and regrets would make the whole process very difficult, and he wanted to take as much pressure as possible off his partner.
Anabel had started the process of getting recommendations letters, attesting to the fact that Ted and Blake were upstanding people and more than fit to parent Nina. It amused her to know so many of the letters were from people she knew from her past associations with the family.
Anabel felt Viola's letter was the most important factor in deciding the adoption. She was extremely strong in her desire to see her granddaughter raised by Ted & Blake. More than anyone else she had observed the interactions between Nina and her guardians. Anabel was pleased that Ted and Blake had provided minimal financial support directly for Viola. There was no way anyone could accuse Viola of "selling" Nina. Jennifer stated in her letter that it had been her request to Brian that resulted in Viola's reduced rent for her apartment. She did not mention that Ted had been willing to make up the rent difference, that was Anabel's recommendation.
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When Justin and Gus came thru the garage door, Brian, Granny and Alice were all standing around the playpen. Liam and Lily were on their backs, each holding a toy and waving it around. They were laughing as they watched each other. The three observers thought they were truly adorable, and they all had big smiles on their faces.
Gus raced over to the side of the playpen and said hello to his siblings. They looked up at their big brother and both babies smiled. Gus sang them a silly song which had them laughing again. Gus started to laugh too.
When Papa came over to the family group, he reminded Gus that he needed to go upstairs and change out of his school clothes. Gus gave quick hugs to the three adults before heading up to his room.
As soon as Gus was out of the room, Justin brought them up to date on what Gus told him. All three were outraged. Brian immediately said he would call Norm Mooney. Justin chuckled.
"That was my plan. I thought you were the best person for the job."
Granny and Alice smiled and agreed. Brian walked down to the study, ready for battle. Although Norm Mooney's interactions with Brian were usually pleasant, everyone at Washington Academy had a healthy respect for Brian. They knew he had no filters on what he said and took no prisoners in discussions.
Norm opened the conversation with "What can I do for you?"
He was surprised by what Brian had to say. He was well aware that Bob Harkins attended the academy but since his mother was the divorced wife of Frank's late brother Randy, Norm did not believe the two branches of the family communicated very often.
Norm assured Brian he would immediately contact Joyce Harkins, Bob's mother, and discuss the interaction between the two boys. He did say that he wasn't sure that the recess conversation would qualify as bullying. He also admitted that he was shocked by Bob's actions and would take his presumed threat very seriously.
Brian asked if there were any more Harkins lurking around the school and if there were, he wanted to know who they were. Norm told him that Bob was the only Harkins currently enrolled and that until now this branch of the family had never given him any cause for concern.
Joyce was shocked and upset by the headmaster's call. She had never liked or trusted Frank Harkins. Once she divorced Randy, she did her best to avoid any contact with Frank and his family. She assured Norm that she would talk to Bob, make sure he understood the severity of what he had done. Joyce said she would call Norm after she talked to her son.
After hanging up Joyce immediately went to her son's bedroom. Bob was playing a video game and looked over at his mother before pausing the game.
"What's up?"
"I just got off the phone with Headmaster Mooney."
Joyce saw the quick expression of surprise before her son could resume a bland expression.
"Why did you do it?"
Bob attempted to brazen it out.
"Do what Mom?
His mother just looked at him without saying a word. Bob realized he had to be honest with his mother.
"Joe called me. He said this kid's cousin is the reason he got expelled and that I needed to uphold the family honor. I didn't do anything to the kid, I just wanted to be able to tell Joe that I confronted him."
Joyce took a deep breath and shook her head.
"Your idiotic cousin got himself expelled. He got caught bullying other children three times. The school's rules state after three bullying episodes you get expelled. Joe knew the rules and ignored them.
Now for some reason you feel compelled to follow in your idiotic cousin's footsteps. He learned that behavior from his father. I loved your father very much, but he allowed his brother to dominate him for his entire life. I thought I would be able to get him away from that influence. I never could. I didn't want to see you go down that same road which is why I divorced your father.
He was a good man but allowed his brother to drag him along in his questionable business dealings. I am very upset to think that you would take any kind of advice from Joe or his father. It would break my heart to see you become a person who picks on smaller or weaker people. Eventually all bullies meet someone who is bigger or stronger and won't knuckle under to them.
That behavior got Joe expelled from Washington Academy. His father tried to bully people to keep Joe in school and the result is that his business is on the verge of failure. The advertising agency he tried to bully took on his competitor as a client and has done an amazing job of increasing their business.
Frank's behavior also caused several business associates to re-evaluate working with him. These are the people you want to listen to? I am horrified!"
Bob shook his head.
"I'm sorry Mom! Joe went into a whole thing about family loyalty and standing up for each other. He even talked about Dad and that he would want me to be close to family like he was. I was never going to do anything to that kid. I just wanted to tell Joe that I stood up for family."
The tears were coming down his face when Joyce grabbed him in a tight hug.
"I understand Honey, but you need to not take life advice from your idiot cousin or his father. They are not good people, not people that you should emulate."
Bob nodded his head, and his mother kissed him and left the room. She went down the hall to her own bedroom. She called Frank Harkins' cell phone number. She was slightly surprised he had not blocked her number. As soon as her ex-brother-in-law answered Joyce started talking.
"Frank! I want you to keep your son away from Bob. No calls, no visits, no messages. He is apparently trying to make his cousin into a bully, like himself and you. I will NOT let that happen."
Frank had never liked his outspoken sister-in-law. He had done his best to talk Randy out of marrying her. It was one of the few times Frank could not convince Randy to do what he wanted.
"Always with the demands. I guess you want to be sure that my brother's son won't have a backbone and just let people roll over him. I thought you knew by now that I don't give into demands."
Joyce laughed.
"Always the big strong man, puffing out his chest and trying his best to intimidate people. I thought you would have learned that being the bully doesn't always work. Didn't keep your son in school, didn't lose Kinnetik any customers.
I would suggest you pay attention to what I am asking. I'm sure you haven't forgotten about those ledgers and records that Randy left in a safe deposit box for me to find. They show your tax evasion and what I believe is criminal behavior concerning you failing business."
"My business is not failing!"
Joyce laughed again.
"Well, it sure isn't growing. We are getting off topic. You and Joe need to stay away from Bob. Do we understand each other?"
"Fine." Frank immediately disconnected before he muttered. "Fucking bitch."
Frank always regretted he couldn't talk his brother out of marrying Joyce. He couldn't understand why his brother gave his bitch of an ex-wife those business records.
Last year Joyce had worked with Mary Gardner on a PTA project, she found her name in phone contact list. Everyone one at Washington Academy knew about Peter Kinney's run in with her nephew. From conversations with Mary, Joyce knew that Josh and Peter were best friends.
Mary was surprised to see Joyce's name display on her phone. She was even more surprised by what Joyce had to say. Since the upper school dismissed later than the lower school, the cousins hadn't even heard about Gus's conversation with Bob Harkins, so Josh didn't know what happened.
Joyce expressed her horror that Bob's cousin had somehow convinced him to confront Gus Kinney. She was going to call the headmaster and let him know she had dealt with the situation. She hoped Mary would let Gus's father know how sorry she was about what Bob had done. She was sure there would be no repeat.
Mary agreed to let Gus's fathers know how upset Joyce was about what her son had done. She had met Bob a few times and he had seemed a very nice young boy. As soon as Joyce ended her call, Mary called Justin's cell. As soon as he answered, Mary asked if Gus was doing OK.
Justin was amazed that Mary had heard about Gus's encounter with Bob Hunter. She explained that she knew Joyce and that Joyce had called her. Mary let Justin know that Joyce wanted nothing to do with Frank Harkins or his family. Joyce had spoken to her son and told him how disappointed she was with his behavior. Mary passed along Joyce's phone number and said Justin should feel free to call her if there was any repeat of Bob's bad behavior. Justin was amused and thanked Mary for her call.
Justin went down to the study where Brian was just getting off the phone with Norm Mooney. The two men exchanged the information from their phone calls. They went outside to let Gus know that Bob should not bother him again. They told him that is Bob did confront him again, Gus should let his teacher know right away. If his fathers told him everything would be okay Gus trusted that was true.
Uncle Justin did have a talk about not approaching Bob Harper. John's facial expression when Justin brought up the subject let him know he was on the right track. He chuckled and told John. "You are definitely Brian's nephew with that strong Kinney protectiveness. This is handled, you need to let it go."
John smirked and agreed.
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Janet did not get a lot of sleep during her first night in her temporary home. Jennifer's attitude annoyed her. She wondered if she had made the right decision to leave Ken and come to Pittsburgh. The fact that Elizabeth was welcomed by the family and actually living with Justin seemed unfair to her.
She even got out a pad of paper and a pen and listed reasons pros and cons about returning to her life with Ken or staying in Pittsburgh. Janet even considered visiting her brother and his family in New Jersey.
Just as dawn was breaking Janet suddenly remembered what Brian had said when he discovered she was at Jennifer's house. How her family had abandoned Justin and disappointed him with hope of reconciliation that came to nothing.
Suddenly it was crystal clear to Janet why she had to prove herself. She could not expect anyone here to welcome her with open arms. She realized that Jennifer was giving her the benefit of doubt. Janet had to prove herself. She had hesitated before including Brian name in her thank you. She understood Jennifer's response.
After what had happened in the past everyone here was going to watch for any signs of her disapproval. She understood that was correct, Justin deserved her full acceptance and respect and she had to atone for her past behavior if she wanted to be accepted as a member of Jennifer's love family.
As soon as Janet felt Jennifer and Tucker would be awake, she called their house. First, she thanked Jennifer for being honest with her and giving her food for thought. Janet assured Jennifer that she understood that the burden was on her to prove herself. She said that it was what Brian had said that helped her understand why everyone was suspicious of her motives.
Janet asked Jennifer to let Brian know she appreciated his candor and that it helped her understand why she had to prove herself. She confessed that she had never considered how disappointed Justin was, each time her family members had refused to accept his life decisions.
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Michael was delighted when Axl stopped by the reception desk on Friday morning. There hadn't been much interaction between the two, beyond a quick wave when Axl walked thru the lobby.
Axl suggested a visit to Babylon on Saturday night. Since he had a car, he would pick up Michael. Axl wanted to be sure that Michael really had a VIP pass for the club. Michael actually carried it in his wallet, so he was happy to show it to Axl. He bragged that since most of the security staff knew he was Brian's best friend he rarely had to actually show the pass.
Michael had a smile on his face for the rest of the day. Axl hoped he would meet someone interesting at Babylon. He planned on dumping Michael as soon as they got inside Babylon.
Michael's landlady was glad to see Michael in such a good mood. She worried that he often seemed to be unhappy. She knew that he really had been abandoned by his husband, family and best friend. She hoped this new relationship would work out for Michael. In her opinion he deserved some happiness.
He dressed carefully in his best jeans, that he believed highlighted his cute ass. He paired the jeans with his best Captain Astro T-shirt. He was waiting on the front porch when Axl pulled up. Michael hurried down and got in the car. He was slightly disappointed that Axl made no attempt to kiss him.
He thought Axl looked amazing. He had his hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. Axl's black jeans were skintight, and his unbuttoned black leather vest allowed his 6 pack abs and pierced nipples to be seen. Michael was thrilled by how his date looked.
As disappointed as Axl was by Michael, he was happy that Michael's VIP Babylon pass allowed him to park in the private lot. He was even more impressed when the Security Guard at the back entrance called Michael by name.
Once inside Axl was shocked by how many people actually knew Michael and greeted him. Axl was happy to be introduced to quite a few attractive men. He decided maybe he needed to stay on Michael's good side since it gave him easy access to the most popular gay club in Pittsburgh. Even an introduction to Brian was a possibility.
They moved out onto the dance floor. Emmett and Rusty were dancing. and Emmett was surprised to see Michael with a very attractive new guy. He maneuvered closer to Michael, who was thrilled to introduce Axl. Axl shook hands with the two men. He held Rusty's hand a little too long and gave him a smoldering look. Michael was clueless, Emmett was annoyed, Rusty was horrified.
Emmet and Rusty decided to head to the bar. Rusty told Emmett how appalled he was by Axl coming on to him. Emmet just kissed him and laughed. He had no concerns about Rusty straying.
Emmet and Rusty did their best to keep some distance from Michael and Axl. However, a lot of Babylon's customers were anxious to meet Axl, a new attractive man. Michael was claimed for a few dances which left Axl available. Numerous phone numbers were exchanged. Axl was a little disappointed that he didn't meet anyone who appeared to have the same VIP privileges that Michael did.
Eventually Axl took Michael for a tour of the back room. They spent quite a bit of time there. When they emerged, Michael looked a little odd and confused. He spent some time with his comic book pals while Axl continued to dance.
Several people came over to Emmett to tell him how roughly Axl had treated Michael in the back room. Axl had smacked his ass hard and punched him in the side a few times as he fucked him in view of everyone.
Emmet knew although Michael was a confirmed bottom, he always gravitated to men who nurtured him and wanted to take care of him. He knew that Ben had never mistreated Michael.
His instinct was to help wasn't sure what he should do. He didn't think it was a good idea to confront Michael about what he heard. He considered approaching Ben but decided that wouldn't be fair to either man. Brian and Justin had enough on their plate and talking to Debbie was the worst thing that he could do. Finally, Emmet decided to have lunch with Ted and discuss the best thing to do. Rusty agreed that seemed like a good idea. He knew how upset his partner was, so he said they should go home and spend some time together, just the two of them.
A few hours later Axl dropped Michael at home. He chuckled at how stiffly Michael moved. He knew he had left some bruises on Michael as a memento of their first date.
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On Sunday Janet went to church services with Jennifer and Tucker. After church they were heading to lunch in Washington County. Although no words were spoken, Janet was well aware that this lunch was a test. She also knew that currently, no one was on her side. She was nervous but determined to pass the test.
At the Taylor-Kinney, everyone had their own thoughts about the upcoming lunch. Justin was hopeful but nervous about how this would turn out. Brian was resigned but did not hold out much hope for a good outcome. He was also worried about his Sunshine being disappointed or upset. Granny was on guard. She didn't have strong feelings about Janet but had always disliked her husband and sons. She thought that since Janet had raised two such obnoxious children, she carried some responsibility for their behavior.
John and Peter planned to escape to their rooms if things got too heated. They knew that Grandmom Jen and Granny would not tolerate any homophobic behavior or comment from Janet. Gus was largely unaffected by the tension in the air. He amused himself talking to Lily and Liam and making them laugh.
Jennifer led the way into the house. Tucker took Janet's hand for a moment and gave it a squeeze. He understood being anxious about getting this family's approval. She gave him a quick smile.
The front door was unlocked, and Jennifer called "Hello" when they got inside. Immediately they could hear Gus call out "Grandmom Jen is here". He came running into the entry hall, Grandmom Jen had stooped down to get her hug and kiss from Gus. Grandpop Tucker lifted up a delighted Gus to give him a kiss on the cheek.
When Gus was put back down, he looked over Janet, still unsure about her. He put out his hand, as Daddy taught him to do when meeting people. Janet had a huge smile as she shook Gus's hand.
Justin walked into the entry hall and Gus hurried over to stand beside his Papa. He wasn't 100% sure why this new lady was visiting but he was anxious to show his support for Papa. Justin put his hand on Gus's shoulder who looked up at him and smiled.
Justin gave his mother and grandmother hugs before he and Gus led the was to the family room. Brian and Granny were seated together on a sofa. Brian held his daughter and Granny cuddled Liam. They were sending a clear message of family unity.
John and Peter were in the kitchen but came over to say hello. Grandmom Jen got kisses on the cheeks and hug. They smiled at Janet and said hello to her before giving quick hugs to Tucker.
Janet wasn't sure what she should do, Jennifer felt some sympathy for her. She understood this as an awkward situation for all concerned. She turned to Gus and suggested he take Janet over and introduce her to Liam and Lily. Gus looked up at Janet.
"I'm not sure what to call you?"
Janet smiled down at the little boy. "When your Papa was a little boy he called me, Memaw."
Gus's puzzled look made Janet chuckle. "I know it is a silly name but it's like a nickname or special name for a grandmother."
Gus smiled and nodded, he understood "special" names.
"That's what Daddy does. He has special names for us that he calls us but no one else uses those names. I'm Sonny Boy, Lily is Princess and Liam is Sunbeam."
It was Janet's turn to look confused. "Why Sunbeam?"
Gus turned to give a loving look at his Daddy and Papa.
Daddy's special name for Papa is Sunshine. Sometimes Grandmom Debbie calls him that but Daddy calls Papa that name because he loves him so much. So Sunbeam is a part of Sunshine."
Janet couldn't help smiling at Gus. He took her hand and walked over to the couch.
"This is Lily and Liam. They have grown a lot since they got borned but are still really cute. Sometimes I give them their bottles. When I feed them, lots of time Granny burps them. She is really good at burping."
Janet smiled at Granny, who reached over to gently stroke Gus's cheek.
"Gus is an expert bottle feeder. HIS brother and sister love him so much. He is the best big brother in the world."
Janet understood that Elizabeth emphasized "HIS" to reinforce Gus's role in this household. She was well aware she was still on probation. She turned to Brian.
"Brian, thank you so much for agreeing to my visit today. You have a lovely home and a beautiful family. You are a fortunate man."
Brian's no emotion face was firmly in place.
"I am well aware of how fortunate I am. I can assure you that I will do everything I can to insure the happiness and safety of my family."
Justin came over and put a hand on Brian's shoulder. He wanted to be sure his grandmother understood his total support for Brian. He looked at his grandmother.
"We are all the fortunate ones to have Brian in our lives."
John knew that lunch was planned so he suggested he and Peter start preparations. Tucker said that sounded like a good plan and he was ready to help. Peter took drink orders and gave Uncle Brian and Papa quick pats on the back before he walked over to the kitchen area.
Janet got the message and sat in a chair facing the sofa. Peter delivered a glass of iced tea. Gus sat between his Daddy and Granny and talked to his brother and sister.
Elizabeth looked over at Janet.
"Liam and Lily are so happy to have Gus talk to them. Even when they are being a little cranky Gus can usually get them to smile."
Gus beamed. "Except when baby Liam had a sore ear. I couldn't get him to smile then."
Granny reached over to stroke Gus's hair. "Well that was a special circumstance."
Jennifer and perched on the arm of the sofa by her mother.
"I'm sure Janet can see for herself what a great big brother Gus is. She no doubt remembers Justin in the role of big brother. That provides a real contrast to Gus as a big brother."
Gus giggled. Brian turned to his partner and took his hand.
"I still love you Justin, even if you were mean to your sister."
The astonished expression on Justin's face made everyone laugh. Lunch was a pleasant meal. Janet had little to say but she was fascinated to watch the interactions of everyone else. It was very clear that this was a happy united family. Their gently teasing of each other caused no offense or hard feelings. It made her realize how much she had missed out on.
When the babies started to fuss after lunch, Justin suggested that Memaw and Gus give them their bottles. Gus was delighted. He let Memaw know that the twins liked to be talked to while they had their bottles. He demonstrated his technique and Janet was thrilled when Lily looked at her with wide open eyes.
When Liam was finished half of his bottle, Gus summoned Granny to help him burp. When the baby quickly cooperated with a big burp, Gus turned to Memaw.
"I told you Granny is great at burping."
When the time came to leave, Janet hugged Justin with tears in her eyes. "Thank you."
He delighted her by saying that he looked forward to her next visit. It surprised Janet and everyone else when Brian unbent enough to say it was a nice visit.